10 Best Mac Productivity Apps

By Melissa Perenson | Mar 24, 2014 02:48 PM EDT

WorkBurst ($0.99)

Keep your focus where it should; on the task at hand with WorkBurst can. Based on the Pomodoro time management technique, WorkBurst is a timer that uses your screen’s brightness to signal to your brain that it’s time to work. When you hit start, the app sets your display to 100 percent for 25 minutes during which you work your butt off. After that period, you get a 5-minute break, and WorkBurst dims your screen to 20 percent. The cycle repeats for as long as you need until you complete your task. While it does rely on the user to be disciplined, the idea is that knowing you only need to focus for 25 minutes will motivate you to focus. It’s simple, fuss-free and effective.